Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Howard Nemerov's poem "Larkin" is a contemplative and insightful homage to the British poet Philip Larkin. Through a series of vivid images and thoughtful reflections, Nemerov captures Larkin’s distinctive voice, his worldview, and his place within the broader literary tradition. The poem reflects on themes of mortality, truth, and the nature of poetic legacy, offering a nuanced and deeply respectful portrait of Larkin.

The opening lines, "Imagine Larkin going among the dead, / Not yet at home there, as he wasn't here," immediately set the tone for the poem. Larkin, known for his preoccupation with death and existential themes, is imagined navigating the afterlife with the same discomfort and alienation he felt in life. This sense of not belonging, of being a perpetual outsider, is a central aspect of Larkin’s poetry and personal ethos.

Nemerov then references Larkin’s poem "The Old Fools," noting his "edged contempt becoming sympathy / Of a sort, and sympathy contempt for death." This duality—contempt mingled with sympathy—captures Larkin's complex relationship with human frailty and mortality. Larkin's ability to approach profound subjects with a mixture of harsh realism and reluctant empathy is one of his defining characteristics. Nemerov suggests that this "quirky spirit" is something Larkin carried "through the arch / To aftertime," continuing to infuse his observations with a distinctive blend of cynicism and truth.

Nemerov’s admiration for Larkin is evident in his characterization of Larkin as "our modern" and "our Roman." The former refers to Larkin's relevance to contemporary sensibilities, particularly his skepticism towards the pretensions of modernist poetry, encapsulated in Nemerov's dismissal of "all that crap about free verse." Larkin’s modernity lies in his clear-eyed, unflinching look at everyday life and human limitations, an approach that resonates deeply with readers who "stand in our shoes and say."

By calling Larkin "our Roman," Nemerov draws a parallel to the stoic realism of ancient Roman sculpture, which often portrayed its subjects with unidealized, truthful detail. Nemerov imagines encountering Larkin's likeness among classical depictions of "shepherdess and nymph," a striking image that highlights the starkness and honesty of Larkin's poetic voice. This image culminates in the portrayal of Larkin’s face "scored up and scarred with the defeat / An honorable life has brought him to," symbolizing the poet’s acceptance of life’s hardships and ultimate mortality.

The poem’s climax revolves around the idea of Larkin as a "Warlock-Williams," a playful nod to his full name (Philip Arthur Larkin) and a recognition of his almost magical ability to distill truth from the mundane. Nemerov ponders whether Larkin might weep at the "penetrative emptiness of that gaze / Kindly accusing none, forgiving none," a look that epitomizes the unsparing clarity of his vision. This gaze, emblematic of truth and mortality, is unflinching and honest, characteristics that defined Larkin’s work.

In the final lines, Nemerov situates Larkin among the literary greats who have also grappled with the human condition: "With Auden, with Hardy, with the other great and dead." This placement acknowledges Larkin’s place in the pantheon of poets who have profoundly influenced literature and our understanding of life and death. Larkin is described as having an "anastrophic mind," capable of seeing through illusions to the core truths of existence, now "forever among the undeceived."

"Landscape with Figures" by Howard Nemerov is thus a richly layered tribute to Philip Larkin. It celebrates his unflinching honesty, his nuanced understanding of human nature, and his place within the enduring tradition of great poets. Nemerov's language and imagery capture the essence of Larkin's legacy, painting a portrait of a poet who, through his penetrating insights and stark realism, remains forever relevant and revered.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Selected_Poems_of_Howard_Nemerov/z6YuZdJAzBwC?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=larkin%20

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...